citizens' initiative
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citizens' initiative
An association of citizens who, on their own initiative, work toward a shared political, social, or ecological goal, often at the local level and independently of political parties.
Eine Bürgerinitiative sammelt Unterschriften gegen den Bau der neuen Umgehungsstraße.
A citizens' initiative is collecting signatures against the construction of the new bypass road.
This word is made up of 'Bürger' (citizen) and 'Initiative' (initiative). So it literally describes an initiative that comes from citizens.
Die Anwohner gründeten eine Bürgerinitiative für mehr Lärmschutz an der Autobahn.
The residents founded a citizens' initiative for better noise protection along the highway.
A 'Bürgerinitiative' is often used with certain verbs. You can 'gründen' (found), 'starten' (start), or 'ins Leben rufen' (launch) a citizens' initiative.
Wir wollen eine Bürgerinitiative gründen, um den alten Park zu retten.
We want to found a citizens' initiative to save the old park.
To describe the goal of a citizens' initiative, you usually use the prepositions 'für' (for) or 'gegen' (against), followed by an accusative object.
Die Bürgerinitiative kämpft für den Erhalt des historischen Gebäudes.
The citizens' initiative is fighting for the preservation of the historic building.
interest group
Both a Bürgerinitiative and an Interessengemeinschaft bring together people with a shared concern. However, a Bürgerinitiative usually emphasizes a public political, social, or ecological goal, while an Interessengemeinschaft places more emphasis on the shared interests of its members. For protests in support of a general goal, Bürgerinitiative is therefore more appropriate; for members’ own concerns, Interessengemeinschaft is more suitable.
Die Bürgerinitiative kämpft gegen den Bau der neuen Straße, weil sie mehr Schutz für das ganze Wohngebiet fordert.
The citizens’ initiative is fighting the construction of the new road because it is calling for greater protection for the entire residential area.
Die Interessengemeinschaft der Anwohner fordert gegen den Bau der neuen Straße vor allem bessere Zufahrten zu ihren Häusern.
The residents’ interest group is opposing the construction of the new road mainly because it wants better access to their homes.
